DeForest Area Historical Society

Sites and Hours

The primary museum, the Hansen-Newell-Bennett House, is located at 119 East Elm Street in DeForest and presents a variety of permanent displays, including information on the schools, churches, and businesses of the area. A kitchen, parlor, and bedroom are interpreted from the early 1900s period. In the garage there is a display of automobile licences and garden/farm implements.

The museum is open on the second Sunday afternoon of each month, June through December, 1:00-4:00 p.m., or by special appointment.

The historic DeForest Depot (215 Market Street) was constructed in 1872 near the railroad tracks. The interior is now being used for cold storage of large artifacts and is not open to the public. Plans are in progress to restore the exterior to its original appearence.

The Lyster House, an historic home now located at 201 DeForest St., has been restored and is interpreted as a home from the pre-World War II era, including a living room, dining room, kitchen, and bedroom.
The office of the DeForest Area Chamber of Commerce occupies the first floor living room of the building. The first floor of the building is handicapped-accessible. The office hours for the Chamber are generally from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday all year.

A display gallery, the Society office, work area, and archival storage area are located on the first floor of the DeForest Area Public Library, 203 Library Street in DeForest. This is the primary repository in the DeForest area for vintage photographs, documents, and manuscripts, including information on genealogy, obituaries, and area cemeteries. The gallery, which features changing displays, is open during all library hours.
Volunteers are on site at the library each Tuesday and Thursday morning or by special appointment.
The entire building is handicapped-accessible.